Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Park Geun-hye promised not to ever let the Cheonan tragedy happen again by expanding national defense ability and securing firm war deterrence based on a strong Korea-U.S. alliance.

She attended the fifth memorial ceremony for Cheonan sailors held at the National Cemetery in Daejeon and said, “It is our historical mission to make our country a richer and more peaceful place, which Cheonan sailors and patriotic martyrs have protected with their blood and sweat. And strong security is the foundation to carry out this national project successfully.”

President Park also added, “The mission will be completed when we accomplish tremendous work such as economic rebound and national innovation as well as usher in a new era, performing the second ‘Miracle on the Han River’. I hope you are always well-prepared to prevent any possibility of the enemy provocation in advance and defend to win any combat in spite of unexpected provocations.”

She especially quoted the words of Patriot Ahn Jung-geun, who died for the country today 105 years ago, “It’s hard to achieve a great work if we don’t think far” and continued, “We have to prepare the reunification in a calm and orderly way, believing it will finally happen in the future.”

“North Korea should give up its reckless provocation and drop the idea that nuclear weapons can protect them. We can make a new Korean Peninsula when North Korea truly changes itself, throwing off its isolation and identity,” she said.

President Park also said, “This is the 70th anniversary of taking our homeland back as well as the 70th year our country has been divided into two pieces. A happy reunification would be what the patriotic martyrs wish and the way Cheonan sailors’ sacrifice won’t be in vain.”

And for defense-related corruption, she resolved to root out defense acquisition-related corruption such as the shameful, sad Tongyeong Ham Incident, so that such an unpatriotic act has no place in Korea. 

Meanwhile, the ceremony under the subject of “Sacrifice for the country, we return it with reunification.” was attended by around 5,000 families and fellow sailors of the deceased, major government personnel and representatives from all walks of life, citizens, students and military soldiers. Starting with the tribute concert for the fifth anniversary of the Cheonan incident held at Seoul Arts Center on March 22, various events for Cheonan sailors were held to pay respects to the souls of the fallen heroes and firm the security will, such as memorial ceremonies by city and county, security resolution meetings, memorial ceremonies by schools from which the deceased graduated, special photo exhibitions of security at major points, literature events at every school, etc.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr>

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee <jataka@dema.mil.kr>

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